Spirituality plays a significant role in hospice care, and at Maxcare Hospice, we recognize this and provide care that addresses the spiritual needs of our patients. This kind of care can have a profound effect on our patients by offering comfort, peace, and a sense of purpose during what is a very challenging time.
The role of Spiritual Care in Hospice
Regardless of whether the patient considers them religious and spiritual, addressing these needs can help improve their quality of life. At Maxcare Hospice, our spiritual counselors are trained to provide comfort, enabling each patient to live out their final days with dignity and respect.
- Emotional support. The emotional needs of patients are just as important as their physical needs, and the emotional well-being of a patient can significantly influence their physical symptoms. At Maxcare Hospice, our spiritual care services are tailored to address complex emotions like anger, fear, sadness, and denial.
- Addressing religious needs. For many patients, religion can be a great source of comfort and strength. Our spiritual care services provide patients with access to their religious rituals and provide support that aligns with their faith.
- Bereavement care. This type of care is designed to help patients and their loved ones cope with the emotions associated with end-of-life care. Our bereavement specialists will address fears, answer questions, and prepare the family for what to expect with coping strategies for grief. Our bereavement specialists offer an opportunity for patients to share their end-of-life wishes and facilitate open communication without fear of judgment.
- Closure. Reconciliation and closure play an important role in spiritual care. This is the time to mend broken relationships to experience reconciliation and closure. This can bring tremendous peace for patients and their loved ones.
- Finding purpose and meaning. It’s not uncommon for patients in hospice to feel hopeless or question their existence. Our care services help patients explore these questions and find their purpose in life even when they are suffering from a terminal illness.
What Spiritual Care Looks Like
Our spiritual care includes:
- Family meetings
- Spiritual guidance
- Non-judgmental emotional support